John writes:
In my career as a newspaper reporter and editor it was always my objective to report and write only the truth for publication of news stories. I would save my opinion for commentary columns. In my life I have also tried to only speak the truth.
The truth, however, can be an illusive thing. It can be tricky and easily disguised or hidden. It can also only be the best version of the truth at the time, based upon deadlines and sources not always dedicated to truth or accuracy, which can necessitate additional investigation and follow-up.
I believe truth can best and most easily be described as information or facts that are correct, not varnished or sugar-coated in any way.
One truth about me is that I am growing older. I joked with my Spanish teachers in Guatemala that my name was "Old Juan Grande." Some preferred "Juanito" but my favorite male professor insisted on calling me "Don Juan." None of which is overly important at this point in time. Only somewhat interesting then and now.
But a second truth about the aging process is that human body parts seem to wear out and break at a faster rate of occurrence.
I had some worn out parts that needed testing on Thursday. So I spent most of the afternoon and overnight and most of Friday in Centro Medico Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras.
The bad news is I had a small stroke. The good news is the doctors said there was no permanent damage and that 100 percent recovery is no only possible, but likely.
Here's another truth. I came back from the States a week ago with the flu and dry cough. Initially at the hospital on Thursday I thought the true diagnosis would be associated with that gift I brought back from America. Multiple examinations and a CAT Scan provided the real truth -- described as a small stroke.
I still wonder if the prescribed medications I take for my partially-genetic-marker issues of high blood pressure and diabetes and the cold-flu-sinus over-the-counter drugs added to the mix of what was wrong with me.
I've been tempted to ask God why me? But what good would that do? I came to this conclusion: Why not me? People with high blood pressure and diabetes are prime targets for strokes.
I never have liked playing a victim. The truth is this: at this point I am a stroke survivor. And my mental energy can best be utilized by focusing on the future and what additional things I can do to help prevent additional medical concerns.
In fact I am lucky and continue to be blessed by God as I can recover fully and take necessary actions to guard against future possible issues.
The only current impact from my stroke is difficulty in smiling, chewing and swallowing food. The left side of my face has partial paralysis. Therapy should resolve those issues.
Lifestyle changes will include 30 minutes of daily walking (instead of my usual 45 minutes of stationary bicycle exercise) and fewer carbohydrates and sugar and more vegetables and water.
I thank God for all of the blessings in my life, including my sweet wife Lisa who has taken good care of me and been my life partner for many years.
Also thanks to God for our neighbors and Lisa's co-workers at Mission UpReach who have provided comfort and support through this situation.
Truth is certainly important, but not nearly as much as in faith in God.
I am reminded of Romans 8:28 -- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Lisa writes:
We are forever grateful to Phil and Donna Waldron for helping us through this process! So glad to be back in Casa Irby after the scary event of John's slight stroke.
I called John before heading home from work Thursday and was troubled by what I heard in his voice and some incoherency in what he was trying to communicate. I rushed home driving like a true Honduran.
Immediately I asked him to talk to me and I suspected a stroke, but through his garbled speech he insisted he was fine and that I was wrong. His face and fact that he couldn't stick out his tongue or speak very loud (though he insisted he was almost yelling) had me worried. Our neighbors passed by and I flagged them down to help. They too knew something was wrong and called and got one of their doctor friends to the house within 10 minutes to assess.
The doctor recommended we head to the hospital to see a neurologist as he also thought a cerebral blockage had occurred and said they would need to do scan to confirm and determine treatment. So off we went about 3 miles to the hospital (same place where I had my tooth pulled).
Long story, short - the stroke did actually cause a small part of John's brain to die permanently (so when he says something stupid I can say he's brain dead truthfully!), but because it was in a "non-eloquent" part of the brain, John is expected to have 100% recovery with therapy as the other "eloquent" parts of the brain learn to take over the facial muscles and swallowing tasks. [John comment -- I'm pretty sure all of my brain is eloquent.]
God is good and certainly has been watching over us. The neurologist, internist, medical staff (some of whom also help with Mission UpReach medical brigades - future blog posts to come on how these work and impact local villages), were excellent! The facilities were clean and comfortable and it was probably the quietest hospital I have ever slept in - though amazingly there were roosters crowing before dawn.
Good news indeed, John was cleared to go home. So after paying our 19,800 Lempira bill, the nurse took out the IV needle and we headed home Friday night around 9 pm. (Yes, the hospital rule is they do not remove IV until you've paid the bill! Like he was in any condition to run out the door and abscond without paying the approximate $850 US) Amazing.
So not to worry friends, we are well. I know John is already improving because he says I'm wonderful but added "most days", so almost back to his ornery self!
We covet your continued prayer for our journey and the Lord's work here in Honduras. Whew! What a crazy couple of days we've had!
1 Peter 5:10 "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Waiting for tests
In my career as a newspaper reporter and editor it was always my objective to report and write only the truth for publication of news stories. I would save my opinion for commentary columns. In my life I have also tried to only speak the truth.
The truth, however, can be an illusive thing. It can be tricky and easily disguised or hidden. It can also only be the best version of the truth at the time, based upon deadlines and sources not always dedicated to truth or accuracy, which can necessitate additional investigation and follow-up.
I believe truth can best and most easily be described as information or facts that are correct, not varnished or sugar-coated in any way.
One truth about me is that I am growing older. I joked with my Spanish teachers in Guatemala that my name was "Old Juan Grande." Some preferred "Juanito" but my favorite male professor insisted on calling me "Don Juan." None of which is overly important at this point in time. Only somewhat interesting then and now.
But a second truth about the aging process is that human body parts seem to wear out and break at a faster rate of occurrence.
I had some worn out parts that needed testing on Thursday. So I spent most of the afternoon and overnight and most of Friday in Centro Medico Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras.
The bad news is I had a small stroke. The good news is the doctors said there was no permanent damage and that 100 percent recovery is no only possible, but likely.
Here's another truth. I came back from the States a week ago with the flu and dry cough. Initially at the hospital on Thursday I thought the true diagnosis would be associated with that gift I brought back from America. Multiple examinations and a CAT Scan provided the real truth -- described as a small stroke.
I still wonder if the prescribed medications I take for my partially-genetic-marker issues of high blood pressure and diabetes and the cold-flu-sinus over-the-counter drugs added to the mix of what was wrong with me.
I've been tempted to ask God why me? But what good would that do? I came to this conclusion: Why not me? People with high blood pressure and diabetes are prime targets for strokes.
I never have liked playing a victim. The truth is this: at this point I am a stroke survivor. And my mental energy can best be utilized by focusing on the future and what additional things I can do to help prevent additional medical concerns.
In fact I am lucky and continue to be blessed by God as I can recover fully and take necessary actions to guard against future possible issues.
The only current impact from my stroke is difficulty in smiling, chewing and swallowing food. The left side of my face has partial paralysis. Therapy should resolve those issues.
Lifestyle changes will include 30 minutes of daily walking (instead of my usual 45 minutes of stationary bicycle exercise) and fewer carbohydrates and sugar and more vegetables and water.
I thank God for all of the blessings in my life, including my sweet wife Lisa who has taken good care of me and been my life partner for many years.
Also thanks to God for our neighbors and Lisa's co-workers at Mission UpReach who have provided comfort and support through this situation.
Truth is certainly important, but not nearly as much as in faith in God.
I am reminded of Romans 8:28 -- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Lisa writes:
We are forever grateful to Phil and Donna Waldron for helping us through this process! So glad to be back in Casa Irby after the scary event of John's slight stroke.
I called John before heading home from work Thursday and was troubled by what I heard in his voice and some incoherency in what he was trying to communicate. I rushed home driving like a true Honduran.
Immediately I asked him to talk to me and I suspected a stroke, but through his garbled speech he insisted he was fine and that I was wrong. His face and fact that he couldn't stick out his tongue or speak very loud (though he insisted he was almost yelling) had me worried. Our neighbors passed by and I flagged them down to help. They too knew something was wrong and called and got one of their doctor friends to the house within 10 minutes to assess.
The doctor recommended we head to the hospital to see a neurologist as he also thought a cerebral blockage had occurred and said they would need to do scan to confirm and determine treatment. So off we went about 3 miles to the hospital (same place where I had my tooth pulled).
Long story, short - the stroke did actually cause a small part of John's brain to die permanently (so when he says something stupid I can say he's brain dead truthfully!), but because it was in a "non-eloquent" part of the brain, John is expected to have 100% recovery with therapy as the other "eloquent" parts of the brain learn to take over the facial muscles and swallowing tasks. [John comment -- I'm pretty sure all of my brain is eloquent.]
God is good and certainly has been watching over us. The neurologist, internist, medical staff (some of whom also help with Mission UpReach medical brigades - future blog posts to come on how these work and impact local villages), were excellent! The facilities were clean and comfortable and it was probably the quietest hospital I have ever slept in - though amazingly there were roosters crowing before dawn.
Good news indeed, John was cleared to go home. So after paying our 19,800 Lempira bill, the nurse took out the IV needle and we headed home Friday night around 9 pm. (Yes, the hospital rule is they do not remove IV until you've paid the bill! Like he was in any condition to run out the door and abscond without paying the approximate $850 US) Amazing.
So not to worry friends, we are well. I know John is already improving because he says I'm wonderful but added "most days", so almost back to his ornery self!
We covet your continued prayer for our journey and the Lord's work here in Honduras. Whew! What a crazy couple of days we've had!
1 Peter 5:10 "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Thursday night date at Centro Medico Santa Rosa hospital
Waiting for tests
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